Getting Your Volkswagen Road Trip Ready

The New Year is here and so is the new Volkswagen Passat.  Each year the engineers at Volkswagen find new and innovative ways to improve its top-selling vehicle.  So as 2017 made way for 2018, let’s take a closer look at what changes were made in the new Passat. more The 2018 VW Passat will maintain the look and feel of its current design that debuted in 2012.  With best-in-class leg room and a design that allows for the functionality, comfort, and performance that Volkswagen is known for, no drastic changes from the most recent 2016 facelift will be made this year. From the performance aspect, you’ll be able to choose between an upgraded base engine that is now 2.0 liter, up from the 1.8 liter, four-cylinder, TSI® engine and Volkswagen’s V6.  The upgraded four-cylinder provides enhanced horsepower and improved fuel efficiency.  The V6 offers 280hp and 258 lb.-ft. of torque with 28 mpg on the highway. This year you’ll also have the option to include Volkswagen’s Driver’s Assistance Package.  This package includes additional safety features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. 2018 will also welcome the new performance-inspired trim level for the Passat, the GT.  The GT will feature a 3.6 liter V6.  It will also have other performance-focused features and unique styling, that will be debuted later this year. Another new feature this available across VW’s entire line in 2018 is the People First Warranty.  This is a bumper-to-bumper warranty that is transferable to new owners of the vehicle for six years or 72,000 miles. Whether you are considering the Passat for the first time or looking to upgrade to the latest model, the experts at Southwest Volkswagen are ready to answer questions and get you on the road.

An atlas is a book of maps.  What better way to begin an adventure than with a book of maps that can show you where to go and what to expect?  But it won’t be much of an adventure if you can’t adequately and comfortably fit all that you need, and you spend more time filling up with gas then you do on the road.  This is where Volkswagen’s aptly named Atlas comes in.  Whether you are carpooling or hitting the road for a trip, the Atlas offers plenty of room and new performance technology that keeps you on the road and away from the gas pump. more The new Volkswagen Atlas features a 2.0 liter 16V turbocharged/intercooled engine, providing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.  This engine provides the power and confidence you need without compromising the comfort and fuel economy you want. So how far can you drive an Atlas in one fell swoop?  The Atlas gets an estimated 26 mpg on the highway.  Combine this performance with an 18.6 gallon fuel tank, and you can get close to 500 miles in between fuel stops.  Of course there a lot of variables when it comes to range like driving habits, and weather and road conditions. This new option from Volkswagen offers the same German engineering and safety that you’ve come to expect; now you also get the cargo and seating space along with power and efficiency to take your next road trip to the next level.  The experts at Southwest Volkswagen are ready to answer your questions and set up your test drive.

This is the time of the year when many of us hit the road to visit family and friends.  While packing our luggage for different climates and planning meals and activities tends to take precedence, it’s also very important to make sure that your car is ready for the journey. more Your quick checklist should include: checking the air in your tires, wiper fluid, and ensuring your battery is charged.  However, arguably the most important service you can perform on your car is changing the oil and filter.  But how often should you do this?  The rule of thumb for the longest time has been every 3,000 miles; but newer technology and different driving habits can mean different intervals for service.  So exactly how often you should change the oil and filter in your Volkswagen can vary. Depending on the age of your Volkswagen, service intervals are set at every 10,000 miles.  Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to confirm the intended service schedule for your vehicle.  Now depending on how you use your vehicle may require some additional details.  Frequent city driving and/or towing may require more frequent oil changes; while highway driving can mean fewer. Whether you are do for an oil change or not, pay attention to some of these signs that may tell you your car is due for service.  Is your engine making a louder than normal sound?  While idling is your engine making a loud knocking sound?  These common observations can also be signs that the oil in your car is wearing down and becoming harder to move through the engine. The great thing about getting your oil changed at a Volkswagen dealer is that you get expert technicians working on your vehicle.  Meaning your car goes through multiple checks for not on the oil and filter, but every key component of your vehicle to ensure its performance.  So before you hit the road during these holidays, or if you’re about due for an oil change, schedule an appointment with expert techs at Southwest Volkswagen in Lafayette.